Introduction and Characteristics of stainless steel
Stainless steel is well known for corrosion and heat resistance which is also an alloy of iron and carbon. It also includes some other elements like chromium, nickel, magnesium, molybdenum, and nitrogen. As chromium is present 10 percent in stainless steel, it can resist corrosion. The chromium prevents stainless steel from getting rust.
The stainless steel has good mechanical properties. As a result, it is widely used in making numerous components in industries. If we compare ordinary steel with stainless steel, we will see that stainless steel is 200 times more corrosion resistant than our standard steel.
Once we use stainless steel in any components, it does not require any paint or finishing.
Even stainless steel is good-looking.
Characteristics of stainless steel
- Long-lasting
- Ductile
- Heat resistant
- High tensile strength
- Easy to fabricate
- Good for environment
- Temperature and corrosion resistant
Grading system
Stainless steel manufactured by self tapping screw manufacturer in india is classified on its grades, and each grade has unique properties. Each stainless steel is represented first by a serial number followed by a grade number. There are some popular series in stainless steel, like 200,300,400,600. Mainly two types of grades are used in stainless steel, like 304 and 316.
Classification of stainless steel
- Ferritic stainless steel – It has a high percentage of chromium. These types of steel have good ductility and magnetic properties, and they are excellent in resistance to corrosion. Ferritic stainless steel is used in heat exchangers, furnaces, and various automobile parts.
- Austenitic stainless steel– It is most commonly used, mainly of two types, i.e., 300 series and 200 series. In the 300 series, nickel is added to stainless steel. Whereas in the 200 series, there is the addition of manganese and nitrogen to the stainless steel. The austenitic stainless steel is mainly used in cutlery, surgical equipment, boat fittings, the aerospace industry, and various others.
- Martensitic stainless steel– It is 400-grade stainless steel with 12 to 15 percent chromium and 1 percent molybdenum. This category of stainless steel is magnetic and has high ductility and toughness. So, they can be formed easily. Martensitic stainless steel is used in various applications like kitchen utensils, pumps, valves, machine parts, cutlery, and various others.
- Duplex stainless steel – They are mixed stainless steel, i.e., a mixed microstructure of ferrite and austenite. Here the chromium and molybdenum are high with very low nickel content. These have wide applications like heat exchanger tubes, the food industry, high chloride environments, and various others.
Manufacture of stainless steel
Stainless steel socket head cap screw is quite commonly manufactured in various companies in India. These are produced from high-grade stainless steel. They have a cylindrical head and hexagonal hole. The socket head screw has good mechanical properties like good resistance towards corrosion, higher ductility, and high toughness. Because of this property, it is widely used in industrial applications.
Apart from this, the manufacturing companies in India also produce SS 304 screw, A325 Structural Bolts, and various others.
Conclusion
Stainless steel has numerous applications. We use this type of steel not only in our daily activities but also they are used in industrial and medical applications.
